Adult Choir Summer Sessions.

Every Wednesday evening in July (starting at 7:30) I will be holding sessions for existing adult choir members, as well as for the new and curious. If the choir has ever crossed your mind, here's the perfect opportunity to see what it's all about.

The summer sessions aren't really "rehearsals," per se, but rather time for the choir to explore new technique, read new pieces to see what we like, and basically relax and enjoy each others' company while learning a little more about the art of choral singing.

I've heard lots of excuses from folks as to why they don't think they should be in the choir, and I've compiled a list of the Top 10:

Dan McGarvey's Top 10 Excuses for not being in the choir

1. I don't have the time to sing in the choir every week.
Okay, so what if you found out that not everyone in the choir sings every week? In fact, every week at least one of our choir members has to be out of town for some reason. It's okay - people have lives outside of the choir. Even I have to take time away form the choir every now and then. Fact is, the larger a choir's total membership is, the less it suffers when people have to take time off, and the more it benefits when everyone's there.

2. I'm not as talented as the people in the choir.
Oh, if I had a nickel for every time I heard someone with a perfectly good voice say that! You don't have to be a trained vocalist. We have a couple of those, but most of the choir members just want to serve the Parish and God in this way because it's joyful to do so.

3. I don't know anyone in the choir.
Well, after the first time you come, you won't be able to say that anymore. We're nice people, and we don't bite. I've seen new members this year welcomed with open arms and encouraged by long-standing members.

4. I don't like all of the music you sing; I wish you'd do something I liked.
I don't think there's such a thing as a single piece of music everyone likes. However, if you have a piece of music you've always wanted us to try, what a great opportunity for you to join, suggest it, and then get the opportunity to sing it with us!

5. I don't read music very well.
You'll have some catching up to do on some of the pieces the choir knows well, but for the most part what we value more than anything is decent musical ear and a desire to be part of the group. Many people in the choir are not readers and rely on their ear to sing, and we have rehearsal resources that support those skills. We also practice sight-reading as a group every rehearsal, and I have been known to take extra time to give small group or individual instruction as singers request it.

6. I can't sit/stand that long because of a health problem.
You're not alone; we make frequent accommodations in the choir for people who need to sit or stand for health reasons. We also have appointed extra-ordinary ministers in the Adult Choir for the benefit of singers who can't repeatedly climb stairs.

7. I haven't sung in a very long time.
I think you'll be surprised how much you remember. Musical skills tend to come back quickly. Each rehearsal is also a mini-singing lesson, so our singers build their technique week after week.

8. I'm more of a soloist; is singing in a choir really for me?
There is a big difference between solo and choral singing, and the most successful choristers know and appreciate that difference. If solo singing is your thing, there are several opportunities in the choir to use your gift. Volunteer to sing the Responsorial Psalm, or raise your hand when we have a choir piece with a featured solo.

9. I was in a choir once. They were undisciplined and chatty and it was really a turn-off.
Not us! Both Peter and I run a really tight ship in rehearsals. Church choirs are really the soap-opera stars of the musical world, having something new to present each week, and our members know that and work hard to make sure we're ready. We're quite fortunate in that way, in that all of our members support the goals of the Ministry and know when it's time to get serious about the music.

10. I'm really tired at the end of the day; are you really going to make me do something else?
I understand; we all work during the day and know that sometimes it's hard to drag yourself to that one final thing. I can't speak for everyone in the choir, but knowing what I'm about to experience in rehearsals makes me eager to get there and end my day in a positive and uplifting way. If you can overcome that inertia to get to the rehearsal, the rewards are more than worth it!

Opportunities to make music at Sacred Heart of Mary:

Adult Choir: Wednesday rehearsals at 7:30 PM. The adult choir sings at the 11:00 AM Sunday Mass, plus Holy Days of Obligation and Feast Days. Contact Dan McGarvey for more information.

Schola Cantorum: Specializes in Chant and early Catholic music. Rehearses on Thursdays at 7:30 PM and typically performs special functions during Holy Days of Obligation and Feast Days. Contact Dan McGarvey for more information.

Contemporary Youth Choir: Sunday rehearsals from 12:30 - 2:00 PM. This is a program designed to help kids ages 13-18 live their faith by ministering to the parish through the Liturgy. Come make a joyful noise to the Lord! We welcome anyone who wants to sing or play an instrument for God's praises. Contact Peter Driscoll for more information.

Children's Choir: Thursday rehearsals at 6:00 PM. The Children's Choir is offered for children from ages 7 though 13 and currently ministers at the 9:00 AM Sunday Mass, and some Holy Days. Contact Dan McGarvey for more information.

Handbell Choir: The Mission of the Handbell Choir is to minister to the Parish Community through music. In preparation for this ministry, we will form an intergenerational community that practices together weekly, prays together, and ministers together. Rehearsals are held in the choir room in the basement of the church. The handbell choir will minister to the community on special Feast Days throughout the liturgical year. Contact Dan McGarvey for more information.

Cantors: Cantors assist the congregation in the sung parts of the Mass, and are responsible for singing Responsorial Psalms, Gospel Acclamations, and preparing music to sing during Offertory and Communion.